| Ms Robison was speaking after a parliamentary question revealed that in 2003 there were 415 incidents in which an airgun was reported to have been used in a crime — more than one incident every day.
Airguns have been in the spotlight since two-year-old Andrew Morton was shot and killed near his home in Glasgow.
Ms Robison, “I think there is a growing problem in Scotland with the use of airguns and replica weapons.
“It is very clear what has to happen. We need a total ban on the use of airguns except for those using them for legitimate reasons. For legitimate reasons, I mean mainly for pest control. I can’t really think of any other reason why anyone would require an airgun in their house.
“Those who are using them for this purpose should have their weapons licensed.
“We have already had tragic incidents involving air weapons and we need to make a decision that will sort this problem and save lives.”
Tayside Police announced last week that they had taken possession of 117 potentially lethal air weapons as part of a campaign organised by the Executive and the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland).
Ms Robison said, “I think this is very much the tip of the iceberg, although obviously I am very happy these weapons are off the streets.
“For every weapon that exists, there is a dangerous incident just waiting to happen. It might not be intentional, but the weapon could easily fall into the wrong hands. The best way to avoid that is to remove these weapons from our streets.”
SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon today accused First Minister Jack McConnell of talking tough on the weapons, but failing to deliver.
Her demand for action followed last week’s Westminster announcement of plans to tighten controls on airguns UK-wide.
Mr McConnell has admitted the plans do not go far enough for Scotland.
He has held out the prospect of some form of licensing or registration system being agreed for north of the border.
Justice minister Cathy Jamieson said, “The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Home Office on a wide range of issues, including firearms and air weapons.
“Scottish ministers also continue to ensure that Scottish views and interests are recognised through direct contact with Home Office ministers.”
But Ms Sturgeon said, “The fact that an airgun is used illegally at least once a day in Scotland is a shocking and frightening statistic.
“This only underlines the fact that we need urgent action now to curb the irresponsible use of airguns, and that means a licensing scheme.”
She claimed, “Jack McConnell was happy to talk big on the issue during an election campaign, but now that Labour in Westminster has published their intentions in this area we know that the First Minster was all talk and no action.
“His rhetoric had no effect at all on the legislation proposed by the Home Office.
“We must legislate now to licence airguns, and give communities around Scotland real protection against this scourge.” |
